Franklin Borough police have charged a Newark man accused of sexually assaulting two children under the age of 13.

Police say 31-year-old Robert Fedder assaulted the children on several occasions while they were placed in his care. Fedder was taken into custody in Newark Saturday and taken to Franklin Borough Police Headquarters.

Police say that while inside the headquarters, Fedder forced open an exit door, breaking the lock and escaped. He was detained a short time later at Franklin Pond. He was additionally charged with criminal mischief.

Police also charged Teresa Nussbaum with two counts of endangering the welfare of children. Police say that she knowingly placed the children in Fedder’s care on several occasions when they were assaulted.

Fedder and Nussbaum were being held at the Keogh Dwyer Correctional Facility in Sussex County.